Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Biking
You should be well past the training wheels stage when you bike Hells Canyon: fall off and it's a loooong way down to the bottom of the deepest canyon in North America. But stay away from the edge, check your fear of heights, and pedal on to breath-taking scenery. Easy to grueling -- your pick . . .
- Western Rim . . . Upside: constant gee-whiz canyon scenery. Downside: All those @!& motorcycles & ATVs
- Imnaha River Trail . . . Low altitude breeze along the riverside past ghost towns, through wildflowers
- Windy Ridge . . . Medium length, medium difficulty, medium-NOT! views. Spectacular.
- Somers Point . . . Nice and short, with superlative view and chance to see some elk
Western Rim
This one-way tour follows a gradual ridge line from Warnock Corral to Lord Flat. Expect to descend and ascend three steep saddles (Indian Grave, 7 mile, and 9 mile) making the ride more difficult. The scenery is constant, with spectacular views of the Hells Canyon Wilderness and the Snake River Canyon.
Length of Ride: 15 miles or 2 - 4 hours estimated time
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Level of Use: Medium to high
Condition: Single track 4 wheel drive road
Elevation Range: 5,600' to 6,000'
Season: Summer and Fall
Hazards: 4 x 4 vehicles
Emergency Services: Nearest telephone: In Imnaha.Emergency telephone number: Enterprise Sheriff 426-3131
Location: 2 hours, or 65 miles from Enterprise, Oregon; 1 hour, or 32 miles from Imnaha, Oregon
Access: Take Highway #82 south from Enterprise to Joseph. From Joseph, take a left onto State Highway #350 to Imnaha. From Imnaha follow Forest Road #4240 to Warnock Corral Trailhead. There is designated parking at the trailhead.
Imnaha River Trail
This is a one way ride following the Imnaha River over a gradual elevation gain. The trail follows the west side of the Imnaha River to its confluence with the Snake River. The lower Imnaha River is dramatic with its steep, jagged canyon. Remnants of an old historic mining town from the late 1800's and early 1900's are still visible at Eureka Bar/Mountain Chief complex at the end of this trail. There are a few dispersed campsites at Eureka Creek. This trail also offers excellent wildlife viewings; you may even catch a glimpse of some of the bighorn sheep that reside in the area There are many wildflowers along the trail. This trail is popular for its prime fishing, hiking and pack saddle opportunities.
Type of Trail Use: ATV: Minor - first 3 miles; Motorcycles: Minor - first 3 miles
Length of Ride: 4 miles, 1 hour estimated time
Difficulty: Moderate
Level of Use: Medium
Condition: Single width standard trail with native material surface
Elevation Range:Trailhead 1,139'; Eureka Bar 958'
Season: Spring, summer, fall, and winter
Hazards: Keep a look out for poison ivy and rattlesnakes.
Emergency Services: Nearest telephone: Imnaha
Location: 1.5 hours, or 25 miles from Imnaha, Oregon
Access: Take State Highway 350 from Joseph, OR approximately 33 miles to Imnaha. At the town of Imnaha, take a left onto paved County Road #735. The County Road turns to a steep, narrow dirt road, Forest Road #4260, after approximately 4 miles. This road is a one-lane, rough, rugged road and is slippery when wet. We suggest only high clearance vehicles, but passenger cars can travel this road under dry conditions. Cow Creek Bridge is approximately 14 miles from the beginning of the dirt surface. The trailhead is located on the left side of the road as you approach the Cow Creek bridge.
Windy Ridge
This trail was a motorized trail converted into a non-motorized trail. It follows a gradual ridge for approximately 7 miles then a steep saddle exists which will increase the difficulty level. Once to Coffee Pot the trail is again gradual with beautiful panoramic views and wildlife. There exists other trails and possible loops exiting from Windy Ridge trail but some have very steep ups and downs requiring a very aggressive rider.
Length of Ride: 9 miles, or 1-1/2 hours estimated time
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Level of Use: Medium
Condition: Single width standard trail with native material surface.
Elevation Range: 6,000' to 5,200'
Season: Summer and Fall
Trail Description:
Hazards: Steep drop offs along trail
Emergency Services: Nearest telephone: In Imnaha. Emergency telephone number: Enterprise Sheriff 426-3131
Location: 2 hours, or 65 miles from Enterprise, Oregon; 1 hour, or 32 miles from Imnaha, Oregon
Access: Lake Highway 82 south from Enterprise to Joseph. From Joseph, take a left onto State Highway #350 to Imnaha From Imnaha follow Forest Road #4240 to Warnock Corral Trailhead. From Warnock Corral go approximately 3 miles to Trail #1782.
Somers Point
This road was closed to motorized travel in 1985. The ride is fairly gradual throughout with one minimal saddle. Somers Point provides you with incredible views of the Snake River Canyon. Elk herds are frequently seen on the surrounding hills.
Length of Ride: 2.5 miles, 1/2 hour estimate time
Difficulty: Moderate
Level of Use: Medium
Condition: Single track/four-wheel drive road
Elevation Range: 6,000' minimal gain or loss in elevation
Season: Summer and fall
Hazards: None
Emergency Services: Nearest telephone: Imnaha
Emergency telephone number Enterprise (503) 426-3131
Location: 2 hours, or 65 miles from Enterprise, Oregon; 1 hour, or 32 miles from Imnaha, Oregon
Access:
Take Highway #82 south from Enterprise to Joseph. From Joseph, take a left onto State Highway #350 to Imnaha From Imnaha follow Forest Road #4240 to Warnock Corral Trailhead. The ride can start here adding 10 miles or take the four-wheel road #1774, approximately 10 miles to trail #1767 and start here.
Incidentals
SUMMER HOURS
Sunday 10:00-5:00
Monday - Saturday 7:30 - 5:00
WINTER HOURS
Monday - Friday 8:00 - 5:00
MAPS:
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, Hells Canyon Travel Opportunity Guide, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Recreation
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